The Joyce New York Novels & Stories

“You sound like you’ve been talking to my mom,” I say. “Oh, yes, dear. She keeps us well informed,” Joyce says, bringing her coffee cup to her lips. “Although Olive hasn’t been paying attention,” she adds before taking a sip. “I’ve been traveling. Florida is so nice this time of year. I’m behind on all the news.” “We were all rooting for you,” Maybelline says. “You poor dear,” Joyce says. “You must be so devastated. Jenni is quite the catch.”

Joyce’s heels clicked sharply against the tiled floor, clean and deliberate sounds that cut through the room like a warning. Each step she took left confidence in its wake, the kind that made people straighten unconsciously. A brown envelope rested in one palm. Her ever-present iPad was tucked in the other, held like a weapon she knew how to use. Her presence alone sent chills crawling across spines. “Over here, Joyce,” I said, lifting my hand just enough for her to catch my direction.

"Riley, you've been asked to join the filming for 'You're My Joy'!" my manager, Monica Jones, cried. Her words pulled me out of my confusion and sorrow. I hurriedly checked the trending topics to see that everything was peaceful on the Internet. There weren't any hurtful words. It looked like… I'd been reborn. I'd traveled three years back in time, and Peyton Grant was still alive.

she asked after a moment. Joyce leaned back and raised a brow. "It’s Mary’s friend’s birthday and I don’t want any of us to miss it, I won’t be able to go..... You don’t need to know too much,” she said. “Just dress well, show up, and represent me.” "Ok, I'm thinking of coming to your place to talk about last night. What happened? Did you later get your way with Liam?" Joyce scoffed. "You knew I entered the wrong room, so please stop pretending! I was supposed to enter room number 9, while Norah should have entered room number 6. Tell me, don’t you know numbers?!"

“And this is my husband, Joyce Meyer.” Joyce looked stunned. “Wait… Jabco Grey? The CEO of Grey Corporation?” Jabco nodded once. “That’s right.” “Oh my goodness,” Joyce said, clearly excited. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Grey.” He reached out eagerly. Jabco shook his hand politely. “She’s my university friend,” Riyana explained, noticing Jabco’s questioning glance. “We ran into each other just now. They’re here on vacation, staying at this hotel.”

Anne said, cheeks warming. “I’m Joy,” the woman said, stepping fully into the light. “I live upstairs. Usually come down for breakfast before heading to my office at the beauty pageant company.” Anne smiled, relaxing slightly. “I’m Anne… just moved in. Nice to meet you.” Joy grinned, a little mischievous. “Finally! I’ve been wondering who the new tenant downstairs was. Don’t worry, I’m not one of those people who watches every move… mostly.” As Anne poured water and Joy brewed coffee, they chatted easily, the kitchen filling with the aroma of tea and warmth. Joy’s laughter was light, infectious, and Anne found herself relaxing more than she had in days.

" Lennon politely replied. Joyce naturally had good eyesight since she was able to take over Betty's class. She had a beautiful appearance and a clean temperament, and had recently released a movie, which made a famous female celebrity. When Joyce finished doing all these, and looked at the man beside his, she realized that his gaze was not fixated on her, and couldn't help but feel disappointed. Could it be that in his eyes, she wasn't worth his attention? Just then, a message came up from Lennon's phone, it was a string of messages. He smiled, and knew that Cassie was sending over a photo, he pretended to use this message and looked at Joyce: "Ms. Fairfield, excuse me."

Joyce added giddily. She blew some air from her mouth to show her annoyance. Her friend was always like this when she saw good-looking men but not her. She didn't even bother to look who Joyce was talking about. Joyce was always excited to talk about guys she liked but she wasn’t. Besides she wasn’t interested in men. She had to focus on her studies because that was her goal. “This is a great surprise! I hadn’t imagine seeing him here! I know that his family owns hotels and resorts in and outside of the country so I guess the rumors are true after all! He is contemplating on buying this resort." "Who are you talking about?" she asked after a sigh.

Oh dear God" Stacy looked upwards and relaxed back into her seat, in partial disappointment. Joyce stood outside Caesar’s Fashion headquarters, her heart pounding against her ribs. The sleek glass building towered over her, glinting in the warm evening sun. She took a deep breath, smoothing her sundress as she adjusted the strap of her purse. She hadn’t meant to arrive early—fifteen minutes, to be precise—but the nervous energy buzzing through her had made staying at home unbearable. "Here goes nothing," she muttered to herself, pushing open the revolving glass doors.

I knew little about her and that disturbed me because she knew about most of my broken parts. When I parked near the place Joy had entered on the GPS of his car, I realised what she had planned. We were at the new sky dock built in the Hudson Yards, one that I’d heard a lot about. But being here with Joy made me happier than I would’ve been with anyone else. Joyce cleared her throat and began a conversation as we boarded the elevator, purchasing the tickets. “I see that you’re not that sweet-toothed anymore.”